MSc Construction Project Management

If you are engaged in a construction-related profession or you want a career in construction project management, this Masters course will develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful. Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the MSc Construction Project Management course is practice-based and research focused.

The practice element adopts a problem-solving approach to complex and strategic issues that often arise on construction projects. You will get involved in case studies utilising completed and ongoing projects. The research focus is supplied through research-active staff who are directly involved in course development and delivery, along with contributions from visiting research fellows, guest lecturers and professionals.

Project Management 1 Theory and PracticeProject Management is an important skill for any professional. This module sets down the bedrock for understanding the principles of project management. The content will examine the lifecycle of a project and consider how well established management theories can be applied to provide a successful outcome. The focus will consider both a management framework and a range of effective techniques that help to plan, control and deliver a project on time, at cost and within quality scope.

Project Management 2 Planning and ControlThis module builds on the knowledge previously acquired and contextualises it within a series of case studies. Students are encouraged to examine real life construction scenarios and draw conclusions as to how they would best manage the situations presented to them.

3D Building Information ModellingIn 2016 the UK Government made it mandatory for all publically-funded projects to use Level 2 BIM. But what is BIM? This module will explain BIM, the BIM process, and explains how BIM can be used throughout the different stages of a Project from Inception to Occupancy. Furthermore, it gives the students hands-on experience of using one of the software packages (Revit) currently used in order to produce a virtual 3D Building Information Model.

Construction Laws and PracticeThis module focusses on key aspects of domestic and international construction contracts and the responsibilities of key members of the construction team. The module also places strong emphasis on avoiding, managing and resolving disputes and the importance of collaboration amongst the contracting teams.

Financial Management for Construction and Real EstateThe module explores the varying factors that drive end value in a construction context, developing an understanding between costs and price. A variety of financial appraisal techniques are explored and applied using technology, in order to better understand and therefore manage the construction management process in a more informed way.

Management Systems for Project ManagersThis module will give students a detailed understanding of the requirements of effective management systems and how they apply to project managers in the construction sector. Focus will be in the three areas of Health and Safety; Quality and Environmental Management. It will explore the role of the organisation and the individual by considering both corporate and individual responsibility for the management of the various disciplines. Study will consider integrated systems as well as reflecting on the stand-alone application of arrangements to meet organisational obligations.

Individual DissertationThe dissertation is a chance for students to work on a piece of research focused upon individual their interests within the course. Students will be encouraged and guided by individual supervisors to use appropriate resources to undertake a major, comprehensive, innovative piece of investigative research. Assistance will be provided to develop and demonstrate the ability to gather extensive evidence, carry out a thorough and in depth critical analysis, produce sustained argument(s) and synthesise the findings of the research in a professional manner.

Teaching

The MSc Construction Project Management course is delivered in three major blocks that offer an intensive but flexible learning pattern, with two start points each year for full time students– February and September. Part time study begins in September only. Tuition combines traditional lectures and tutorials with problem-based learning through workshops and site visits.

Assessment

Some modules are continuously assessed, while others use coursework and examination. Assessment methods also vary and include written reports and coursework, project work and presentations.

Most submissions will be your individual work, but some may involve teamwork assessment. The Masters element requires completion of a substantial dissertation based on your individual research. Part-time students have the option of a fast-track route by completing their dissertation over the summer at the end of their second year.

Accreditations

The Construction Project Management course is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which provides the world’s leading professional qualification in land, property, construction and the associated environmental issues. Once you have completed two years (typically) of qualifying practice you can take the Assessment of Professional Competence. If successful you will become a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor.

The MSc Construction Project Management is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Facilities

Students have access to the latest industry BIM and CAD Design software including Revit, ArchiCAD and VectaWorks.

Lecturers

An Honours degree at class 2:2 or above in a discipline relevant to built environment such as architecture, building surveying, civil engineering, commercial management, construction management, project management or quantity surveying.

Alternatively, an Honours degree at class 2:2 or above in a non-construction subject with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience in the construction environment, or relevant experience and an appropriate professional qualification such as RICS, RIBA, CIOB, MICE and MIStructE.

The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.

August 2019 – July 2020 Fees: USW will be offering a package of financial support for postgraduate study and this will be announced shortly.

August
2018
- July
2019
Fees

Full-time UK and EU:
£6000

Please note the full-time UK and EU fee is £9000, however USW is offering a full-time UK and EU bursary of £3000 which means students pay £6000

Full-time International:
£13000

August
2019
- July
2020
Fees

Full-time UK and EU:
£9000

Full-time International:
£13400

Part-time UK and EU:
£1000
per 20 credits

August
2020
- July
2021
Fees

Full-time UK and EU: TBC

Full-time International: TBC

Part-time UK and EU: TBC

Additional Costs

Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.

Funding

You can apply for a postgraduate loan as a contribution towards your course and living costs.

Apply directly to the University if you are applying for a part-time, professional or postgraduate course, an Erasmus/Exchange programme, the Legal Practice (part-time) course, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution.

Our strong industrial and commercial links help us tailor our courses to meet employer’s needs, and ensure you graduate with the right skills to develop an exciting, dynamic career in construction. This industry relationship has been formalised into the Built Environment Strategic Forum (BESF). The mutual benefits arising from this university/industry partnership are significant and guarantee enhanced employability potential to our students and graduates.

There is continued demand for construction project managers nationally and internationally. Our graduates have a very strong record in gaining employment and/or promotion. Graduates with a Construction Project Management degree have found employment with development, construction and building companies or government organisations and agencies, as well as commercial, management and consultancy firms.

Our Careers and Employability Service

This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.

Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.

Student Stories

The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.